On-Chip T/R Switching for Transceivers With External Switch Option

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RF Transmit-Receive (T/R) switches in transceivers are typically external to the chip, increasing cost and PCB area, and users need separate chips for internal and external switching options, complicating design and management.

Innovation Solution

A transceiver chip with integrated on-chip T/R switching capability, using a shunt switch at the LNA input, allowing both internal and external switching options, minimizing parasitic loading and electrostatic discharge risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external T/R switches are used in transceivers, then switching functionality is provided, but cost and PCB area increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching functionalityVSAvoidPCB area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the T/R switch functionality directly into the transceiver chip by incorporating a shunt switch at the LNA input. This merging of the external T/R switch function into the chip itself eliminates the need for separate external switching components, thereby reducing PCB area while maintaining the required switching functionality between transmit and receive modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If external T/R switches are used in transceivers, then switching functionality is provided, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching functionalityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the T/R switch functionality into the transceiver chip through the shunt switch mechanism, the patent eliminates the need for separate external T/R switch components. This integration reduces the total component count and assembly complexity, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining full switching functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate chips are used for internal and external switching options, then design flexibility is provided, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidchip management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal transceiver chip design that includes integrated T/R switching capability through the shunt switch. This multi-functional chip can operate in systems whether or not external T/R switches are present, providing design flexibility without requiring separate chip variants. The chip adapts to different system configurations, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260058686A1Integrated radio frequency transmit-receive switch with external switching option

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AMERICAS CORP

AI summary

The embodiments described herein are directed at techniques to perform T/R switching internally on a transceiver chip. An example transceiver chip includes a power amplifier coupled to an output terminal of the transceiver chip and a low noise amplifier coupled to an input terminal of the transceiver chip. The input terminal and the output terminal are separate terminals external to the transceiver chip. The transceiver chip also includes a shunt switch coupled in parallel with the low noise amplifier between the input terminal and ground and a control circuitry to activate the shunt switch to couple the input terminal to ground when the power amplifier is turned on.